Bettie Course: Introduction to Ice Climbing

Want to try something new this winter? Rocky Mountain Conservancy in partnership with KMAC Guides is offering an introduction to ice climbing day for women and femme folks! Starting with proper crampon techniques, we’ll advance from the ground up through the various skills that come together to make ice climbing one of the most unique and fun adventures in the world.

Who: This program is open to women and femme folks ages 16 and up. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting Location: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center and travel to the trailhead together in Conservancy vehicles.

What's Included:

• Transportation to the trailhead from Estes Park
• Park entry fees
• Ice tools
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Ice cimbing boots
• Ropes and other technical gear
• AMGA certified instructor(s)

What to Expect: Plan to be outside, hiking and climbing in winter conditions for a full day. There will be a moderate to challenging hike in the snow to approach the ice climbing crag. Expect the hike to be up to 7 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain on steep and snowy trails. You don’t need much climbing experience to try ice climbing, but we do recommend you have climbed some before, at least in a gym.

What to Bring: You will need a solid cold weather clothing setup that you can climb in. Please note we will be hiking uphill, then spending an extended period of time at the base of the climbs where you will be mostly stationary when not climbing. Layers are key!

Please plan to carry:

• Day Pack
• Food/Snacks
• Water (2L)
• Extra layers
• Gloves
• Hat/buff
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or call 970-586-3262.

Weather:

Rocky Mountain Conservancy reserves the right to change the program location due to trail and weather conditions at any time.

Our programs proceed, rain or shine. However, if weather or road conditions become unsafe, Rocky Mountain Conservancy will cancel the program. Participants will be notified by email and full refunds will be issued automatically for all participants.

Cancellations:

If your plans change and you are no longer able to join us, please send an email to [email protected] to let us know. We check in with ALL registered participants at the start of every program.

Refunds will be automatically issued for cancellations made at least 7 days in advance. Cancellations made fewer than 7 days in advance are not eligible for refunds.

Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy throughout the state of Colorado and across the United States has left a legacy for all who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, with scholarships available through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please submit an application by completing the form here:

Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, United States